WASHINGTON – The National Park Service announced today $2.6 million in maritime heritage grants to assist funding 34 preservation and education projects in 14 states and the Northern Mariana Islands. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), the National Park Service awarded grants for projects that teach about and preserve sites and objects related to our nation’s maritime history.

“From exploration, to industry, and military conflict, these grant projects tell the story of our nation’s history through a maritime lens,” National Park Service Deputy Director Dan Smith said. “Through a collaborative effort, the National Park Service is dedicated to conserving these treasures and enhancing public awareness of our maritime heritage.”

“Since 2014, MARAD has provided more than $7 million in funding to support our nation’s maritime heritage projects,” said Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby. “These ships, lighthouses and other strategic maritime vessels have played an integral role in our nation’s success at sea. By preserving these maritime artifacts, we hope to inspire future generations with America’s maritime legacy.”

The National Maritime Heritage Program grant awards are made possible through a partnership between the two federal agencies, which both share a commitment to maritime heritage preservation and education. They are funded through recycling of vessels from the from the MARAD’s National Defense Reserve Fleet. The grant program supports a broad range of maritime education and preservation projects, without expending tax dollars, while ensuring that the vessels are dismantled in an environmentally sound manner.

The National Park Service will administer these projects as direct grants to State Historic Preservation Offices, who will disburse funds to applicants. The recipients of the National Maritime Heritage grants are below.